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Quality . . . that speaks for itself!

The simplest way to demonstrate Heritage quality is to show you. Even in fundamental tasks, such as soldering, our craftspeople go the extra step. We don’t spot-weld or spot-solder; we take the time to fully solder each seam and joint — such as the one shown on our Onion Light at the right. The solder is built up and carefully rounded to give you maximum strength.

We clean each seam with scrapers and fine steel wool, removing all excess solder. This level of craftsmanship is seen in few lights today, yet it is so important. If the excess solder isn’t removed, it can turn an unexpected — and unsightly — whitish-gray after weathering.

Other design features incorporated in Heritage lights include back plates to conceal both the wiring and the bracket, giving the lanterns a far more pleasing and “clean” appearance.

Metal spinning is a time-consuming process and is yet another of the many skills “lost” in the midst of modern technology. It is a skill that permits us to create many of our elegantly contoured shapes from one piece of metal — adding to the strength and beauty of your Heritage light!

Our authentic designs speak for themselves, but we would like to take a few moments and tell you about some of our exemplary construction features and techniques that aren’t always apparent to the eye.

• Easily Accessed Bulbs: We make it simple and safe to change a bulb. Have you ever tried to change a bulb and had trouble fitting your hand through the opening? That doesn’t happen with a Heritage light!
• Special Rain Protection: We’ve gone to great lengths to incorporate special rain protection features. We hide many of these features so well that you can’t see them . . . so be sure to ask!
• Full Length Hinges: We spare no effort or money here so doors won’t have a tendency to sag.
• Double-Thickness Flat Glass: Have you ever seen single thickness glass break in severe weather? Our double-thick glass makes it a rare occasion for Heritage owners!
• Handblown Globes: The strength and beauty of hand-blown glass just can’t be matched by mass production techniques!
• Concealed Wiring: You won’t believe the expensive fixtures we’ve seen that have exposed electrical wiring. Heritage wall-mounted lights have a back plate that hides and weather-protects wiring.

Channel Construction

An almost-lost art, channel construction duplicates the unmistakable beauty of leaded lights in the early Colonies, and it gives you unmatched lantern strength and weather protection. Heritage artisans, blending rare skill with concentration, very carefully cut and bend each U-shaped channel. Individual pieces of glass are cut by hand and are then fully enclosed within the narrow channels. Once channelled, the glass panels are meticulously soldered together. Heritage lights made with this age-old technique are renowned for their exceptional strength and beauty.

Made For You

When people stop by our showroom in Yarmouth, most express surprise to find that Heritage lights are really made right here. No imports. No farmed-out manufacturing. Customers can take just a few steps and actually watch Heritage lights being made. That element of surprise is further enhanced when visitors discover there is no “production line” at Heritage: one craftsperson completely builds one light.

At Heritage, the individual sense of pride is strong. That fact is perhaps best reflected by a card that accompanies each Heritage light — a card signed by the craftsperson who created that particular light. In talking about how she felt about each lantern that is shipped, one employee once commented with pride, “It’s almost as if your name is on the line.”

In a world of advertising and marketing, where superlative phrases are recited with almost reckless abandon, it’s difficult to convey a story like that of Heritage Lanterns and its people. The most meaningful thing we can do is to suggest that you either visit us and see for yourself or take advantage of our 30-day guarantee — if you don’t agree that Heritage lights are the finest anywhere, return them within 30 days. It’s that simple.

For further information, price inquiries, or to place an order,
PLEASE CALL 1-800-648-4449 or in Maine: (207) 846-3911
40-page catalog and current price list $6 (refundable with purchase)

Heritage lights are sized proportionately to make your home even more beautiful . . . inside and outside!

The best way we can tell you about the size of Heritage lights is to show you a side-by-side comparison. Look at the photographs below. What a difference!

Over the years, manufacturers have made lights smaller in an effort to reduce their costs and make them less expensive. But those “little lights” just don’t add anything to the style of the home. Heritage lights are scaled correctly! Not only do they perform the essential function of providing light, but they substantially enhance the appearance of your exterior or interior environment!

Lights that Enhance

Heritage lights (like our Onion Light above left) are sized proportionately to enhance their surroundings. Lights by many others today (like those shown above right) are too small and add little to the setting.

Choosing the Right Size

As you choose your lights, the best rule of thumb is to “think large.” Many people tend to select fixtures that are too small, particularly for outdoor settings. When choosing lanterns to light your entrance, select a size that’s about one-third the height of your door.

When you’re undecided about sizes you need, create a rough cardboard mock-up using dimensions from the catalog. Hang the mock-up in place and step back from it to put the total setting in perspective. Lights look smaller in a total environment than they do in a showroom or when you’re standing next to them.